DARJEELING ...here is why wanderers love hills more in winter.

                                 DARJEELING

                                            ...here is why wanderers love hills more in winter.

The Queen of Hills in North Eastern India, Darjeeling is among the most frequented hill stations in the country. From toy trains to cable car rides, from adrenaline-pumping treks to soul-satisfying cuisines, there is nothing that Darjeeling doesn’t offer to its travelers from all walks. And guess what, Darjeeling in December turns double charming and double excitingagainst whatever notions tourists may hold. Don’t believe us? Well, take a look at what all you can do in this picturesque hill town in December to experience its unique blend of tradition and beauty that draws travelers here year after year.

Be part of the exciting festivals of Darjeeling

Darjeeling observes two major festivals during December that are fun to witness and be a part of for both locals and tourists. The Teesta Tea & Tourism festival as well as the Darjeeling Orange Festival usually take place in the month of December every year and are essentially attempts of the West Bengal government to boost tourism in these parts as well as the sale of these two crucial items grown in and around Darjeeling. These festivals give travelers a chance to relish the true festive essence of Darjeeling.

• Teesta Tea & Tourism Festival: The landscapes of Darjeeling transform as large fairs are set up selling different varieties of tea. The air swells up with the delicious aroma of the world famous Darjeeling tea as well as local North Eastern cuisines like momos and thukpa. The celebrations are dominated by toy train rides, tea stalls, as well as food stalls selling local food items and traditional specialties. People are also educated on the hefty process of tea making and how the Tea Industry contributes to West Bengal’s economy and revenue generation.
• Darjeeling Orange Festival: As the name suggests, the festival revolves around this juicy fruit where farmers from over 50 villages around Darjeeling come together to promote and sell their produce. The locals try and make the festival interesting by holding cultural performances during the fair and also by educating people about the varieties, qualities, and conservation methods of oranges produced around Darjeeling. And by the way, these aren’t your regular oranges. Those that grow there are smaller, paler, and even sweeter compared to those in other parts of India.
• Christmas: Darjeeling observes a peak season from 23rd December to the 1st week of January every year due to the Christmas and New Year fervor. The streets are bathed in multi-coloured hues, while all stores and diners dip themselves in Christmassy lights and colours and start rolling out special menus and discounts to attract customers. Bakeries start preparing special Christmas items like plum cakes, puddings, pies, pastries, and candies while hotels are brimming with energy with carol singing, cultural dances, special dinners, bonfire, live band performances, and more delights for guests.

 Savour the taste of Churpi, a local treat to beat the winter blues

Churpi is a traditional cheese of North East made from yak’s milk. The cheese-cum-chewing bar has a delicious sweet and salty taste which makes it a delight for travelers and one of the best places to visit in Darjeeling in December. One of the most attractive properties of this cheese is that it helps immensely by keeping the body warm and giving energy even during extreme cold weather conditions. One can buy it at nominal rates from almost any local grocery store or even souvenir shops since it makes for a great food item to gift to friends and loved ones. You can horde up a stock of churpi for yourself to treat your winter blues.

Gaze at breathtaking panoramas from Tiger Hill

Everyone knows that the Tiger Hill in Darjeeling gives stunning views of the sunrise in the summer months. What they don’t know is that the beauty of those views multiplies in December! Yes, Darjeeling weather in December at Tiger Hill will be colder than the summer months, but the sights will be worth it! Make sure to get to Tiger Hill by 4 to enjoy those unmatched vistas. Watch sunlight fall on those majestic snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and illuminate it in gorgeous hues, at the same time as it takes you too in its warm embrace. Visiting Tiger Hill is actually one of the best things to do during honeymoon in Darjeeling in December end.

 Visit the amusing Batasia Loop & Ghoom station

Apart from holding great historical significance, Batasia Loop is a scenic junction that travelers love to visit on their Darjeeling tour. and a great option for sightseeing in Darjeeling! It’s a famous railway loop in Darjeeling with the open-air Gorkha War Memorial in the center. The memorial was established in honour of the brave soldiers of the region who lost their lives in WWI and WWII. Watching the tiny toy train go round the circumference of the war memorial and descend down the hill is absolutely amusing.

    Ride the Toy Train through lush naturescapes

The joy of riding those petite toy trains in Darjeeling in unbeatable. Embark on a scenic journey across lush tea plantations with views of snow-capped hills and picturesque valleys as the cold wind ruffles your face and gives you goosebumps on your ride. You can start your ride from either Darjeeling or the Ghoom station and go all the way to New Jalpaiguri via the scenic towns and villages of Kurseong, Sonada, and Tung on the way. You can also get down at any of the station in between and enjoy delicious meals at the many local food joints. Travelers usually like to get down at Ghum itself to enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Greet the wild side of North East at Darjeeling Zoo

Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park is among the best places to visit in Darjeeling in December for families with kids and lovers of wildlife. Home to some of India’s most rare and exquisite flora and fauna, PNZ Darjeeling an unmissable part of a tour to Darjeeling in December. The zoo is located on the downslope from the Jawahar Road and is home to the largest population of Snow Leopards in India, a factor that draws zillions of travelers here every year irrespective of the season. Other animals that share a habitat here include the queer Red Pandas, Himalayan Bears, Clouded Leopards, and Tibetan Wolves. One can also visit the Snow Leopard Breeding Centre while they are here.

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